Importance of Ethics in Sports IELTS Reading Answers

Sports is primarily a competitive activity where winning is the be all and end all. Perhaps that is why, in this highly competitive sports environment, we quite often hear about unethical behaviour which includes cheating, bending the rules, doping, abuse of food additives, physical and verbal violence, harassment, sexual abuse and trafficking of young sportspersons, discrimination, exploitation, unequal opportunities, unethical sports practices, unfair means excessive commercialisation, use of drugs in sports and corruption. Sports ethics is generally viewed as the system or set of rules, norms or laws by which attitudes and actions are determined to be either "right or wrong". It is a positive concept that guides human action in sports. It is defined as the code of conduct for promoting and ensuring healthy sporting practices. Sports ethics signifies not just a certain form of behaviour but also a particular way of thinking. Commonly described as six pillars of fair play, Standards

are integral elements of all sports activities, sports policy and management, and apply to all levels of ability and commitment, including recreational as well as competitive sports. These are- 

Trustworthiness

• Always pursue victory with honour.
• Demonstrate and demand integrity.
• Observe and enforce the spirit and letter of the rules.
• Do not engage in or tolerate dishonesty, cheating, or dishonourable conduct.

Respect

• Treat the traditions of the sports and other participants with respect.
• Do not engage in or tolerate disrespectful conduct, including verbal abuse of opponents and officials, taunting and inappropriate celebrations.
• Win with grace and lose with dignity.

Responsibility

• Be a positive role model on and off the field.
• Safeguard your health.
• Take responsibility and educate yourself about issues of anti-doping. It's up to you to comply with anti-doping policies

Fairness

• Adhere to high standards of fair play.
• Ensure that teams and athletes play by the rules and treat others fairly.
• Anything that gives an unfair advantage violates the spirit as well as the integrity of the sport.

Caring

• Demonstrate concern for others. Never engage in careless behaviour that could injure yourself or others.
• Help the team by encouraging your teammates.
• Never tolerate unhealthy or dangerous conduct by your teammates. Encourage your teammates to make healthy choices and be prepared to report any dangerous behaviour.

Citizenship

• Play by the rules. Sports is defined by the rules. These rules may be yours or your team's or your teacher's.
• Follow the spirit or the rules. Resist the temptation of gaining an advantage by bending the rules. Take pride in your performance while abiding by the rules. You have worked too hard to throw it away by cheating.
• As a member of a community, whether in a team, in a classroom, or with a family, think how your choices impact other community members.